When to Plant Edamame in Mendocino County, CA
May in Mendocino County, California — your action list
Your garden in Mendocino County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: edamame
Edamame are soybeans harvested at the immature green stage for a sweet, nutty snack. They are high in protein and easy to grow in warm climates.
Mendocino County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Mendocino County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Edamame will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Mendocino County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Edamame
Edamame needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Edamame Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mendocino County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Edamame Planting Timeline — Mendocino County, CA
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Mendocino County
Growing Tips for Mendocino County
Direct sow after soil is warm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green but before they start to yellow. Steam or boil pods before eating.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Edamame in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Edamame in Mendocino County, CA?
Mendocino County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mendocino County, CA?
Mendocino County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Mendocino County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mendocino County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.